Clean Informer Magazine Autumn 2016 | Page 29

TMF TOP10 threads of FALL 2016 10. TM hours By RestaurantClean How many hours are you guys getting out of your TMs? I’m looking at getting one but with my current accounts I would be putting over 1,000 hours per year on it. What is typical life span? If I would have to replace it after a couple thousand hours it seems like the cost would be just too much. I know it would save time compared to my portys. So there would be some labor savings but it is enough savings to justify the cost if I have to buy a new one every couple years? Comments earl804 - Depends on the truck mount - air cooled you can expect to get maybe 2500 hours out of the engine. Maybe more maybe less. A 20 hp Kohler is like $1500 Pumps should last longer you might need to rebuild the plunger/seals every few thousand hours  Blowers should last 10000 hours or more Then it’s just components- switches temperature senders etc With good maintenance and manufacturer support I think you should get 10 years from a tm. 28 That might mean you are replacing engines a few times and lots of components over the years but that just part of the cost of operating  After 10 years the frame and tank may be rusting, and the manufacturer may not be supporting the model as much with parts If you are doing 1000/hrs per year, you will burn up a ton of porty pumps vacuum motors switches etc. even though tms wear out they still give more bang for the buck and reliable running than a porty Zarz - I’m on apx 4300hrs on my 30hp Kohler (air cooled) on my Amtex. Have also only replaced 1x seal kit in my hydro pump along with 1x set of check valves. Regular oil changes is the key to assist with longevity. Also take some time idle you engine for a few minutes prior to operation on higher revs, then once finished allow your TM engine to cool down on idle whilst packing up can help you get the most hours imo.  My last kubota water cooled gave my over 17000hrs over 17yrs.